Early sixteenth century gargoyle figurine with evidence of massive multinodular hyper-vascularised goitre and superior vena cava syndrome

Endocrinological pathologic conditions have often been represented in artworks. Here we add an interesting case represented by an early sixteenth century female gargoyle figurine located on the front of the Haus zum Walfisch in Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany). The figurine shows an extreme multinodular hyper-vascularised goitre, along with several other pathologic features. The face is edematous, convergent strabismus is evident, there are collateral veins on the thorax (breasts), and the right upper arm and right lower leg. Skin wrinkling of the right upper and lower arm, and on the right hand, suggests thin and dry skin. The left side is apparently less affected (Fig. 1a, b). This presentation is consistent with a massive multinodular goiter associated with a Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS), that is an obstruction of blood flow through the vena. Multinodular goitre is a widespread and well-known condition endemic to the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) mountain region